New Balance vs Geox Shoes

Both brands make great shoes, but they’re different in many ways. This guide will help you understand what makes each brand special.

You’ll know which one might be better for your feet and the things you like to do. Let’s compare New Balance and Geox to help you make a smart choice!

New Balance vs Geox Shoes

The main difference between New Balance and Geox shoes is their specialized technology focus. New Balance concentrates on athletic performance with cushioning systems and multiple width options, while Geox focuses on their patented breathing technology that keeps feet dry by letting sweat out while preventing water from getting in.

A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!

Feature	New Balance	Geox
Founded	1906 in USA	1995 in Italy
Main Technology	Cushioning systems (Fresh Foam, ENCAP)	Breathing system (perforated soles with waterproof membrane)
Best For	Sports, athletic activities	All-weather wear, everyday comfort
Width Options	Multiple widths available (narrow to extra-wide)	Mostly standard width
Water Resistance	Limited (some models have water-resistant features)	Excellent (most models are waterproof)
Breathability	Good (mesh uppers)	Excellent (patented sole technology)
Price Range	$40-$180	$60-$150
Cushioning	Excellent (main focus of design)	Good (but not main focus)
Styles Available	Athletic, casual, walking	School, casual, dress, light athletic
Weight	Varies (running shoes light, classics heavier)	Generally lightweight
Fit	True to size or slightly large	True to size
Best Climate For	Dry to moderate conditions	All conditions, especially wet or hot
Durability	Very good for athletic wear	Very good for everyday wear
School Uniform Suitability	Limited (too sporty for many schools)	Excellent (many school-appropriate options)
Color Options	Wide variety, bright colors available	More conservative, classic colors

In Summary: For 12 to 13 year olds, New Balance shoes are better for sports and PE class with their cushioning and support, while Geox shoes are awesome for everyday wear, especially in rainy weather.

New Balance offers more width choices if you have wide feet. Geox has special breathing technology that keeps your feet dry from both sweat and puddles. Think about what you’ll be doing in your shoes before picking!

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The Story Behind Each Brand

New Balance: American Athletic Heritage

New Balance started in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. It began as a company that made arch supports to help people with foot problems. Later, they expanded into athletic shoes. Today, New Balance is famous for their numbered shoes (like the 574 or 990) and for making shoes in different widths to fit all kinds of feet.

Geox: Italian Breathing Innovation

Geox is a newer company, founded in 1995 by Mario Moretti Polegato from Italy. The idea for Geox came when Mr. Polegato was hiking in the hot Nevada desert. His feet were so hot that he cut holes in his shoes to let air in! This gave him the idea for Geox’s special breathing technology. The name “Geox” combines the Greek word “geo” (earth) with “x” (technology).

Breathing: Keeping Your Feet Cool and Dry

New Balance Breathing

Many New Balance shoes use mesh materials that let air flow through the shoe. This helps keep your feet cool and dry, especially when you’re active. The mesh is usually placed in areas where feet tend to get hottest.

Sarah, a 12-year-old soccer player, says: “My New Balance shoes keep my feet from getting super sweaty during practice, even when it’s really hot outside.”

Geox Breathing

Breathing is where Geox really shines! Geox shoes have a special patented system with a membrane that lets sweat vapor out but doesn’t let water in. The sole has tiny holes with this special membrane underneath. It works like this: when your foot gets warm, it creates vapor (like steam). The vapor escapes through the membrane, but water drops can’t get in because they’re too big to pass through the tiny holes.

Carlos, age 13, shared: “My Geox shoes are amazing for school because my feet stay dry all day. Even when I stepped in a puddle, my socks stayed completely dry!”

Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?

New Balance Durability

New Balance shoes are built to last. Their athletic shoes are designed to handle running, jumping, and lots of movement. The materials they use are strong, and the stitching is reinforced in areas that get the most wear.

Many New Balance shoes can handle a full school year of recess, PE class, and after-school activities without falling apart.

Geox Durability

Geox shoes are also made to be durable, with quality materials and good construction. The special breathing system is designed to keep working throughout the life of the shoe. Many kids find that their Geox shoes last a full school year or longer with proper care.

The rubber soles on Geox shoes are particularly durable and resist wear well, even with daily use.

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Cushioning: Protection for Your Feet

New Balance Cushioning

New Balance is famous for their cushioning technologies. Different models use different types of cushioning:

• Fresh Foam gives a soft, bouncy feel
• ENCAP provides firmer support with some softness
• ABZORB helps absorb shock when your foot hits the ground

This cushioning helps protect your feet and joints when walking, running, or jumping.

Geox Cushioning

Geox shoes typically have good cushioning, though it’s not their main focus like it is for New Balance. Most Geox shoes have a comfortable insole and midsole that provide decent cushioning for everyday activities. They focus more on comfort through their breathing technology rather than through extra-thick cushioning.

Some Geox models, especially those designed for walking or light sports, do have enhanced cushioning systems.

Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size

New Balance Fit

One big advantage of New Balance is that they offer different widths for many of their shoes. If you have narrow or wide feet, you can find shoes that fit just right. They come in sizes like “D” for regular width, “2E” for wide, and “4E” for extra wide feet.

New Balance shoes often run true to size or slightly large, so your regular shoe size usually works well.

Geox Fit

Geox shoes typically come in standard width, though some models might offer wider options. Many people find that Geox shoes run true to size. The brand is known for making comfortable shoes that fit well from the first wear, without needing much “breaking in” time.

Geox also makes many styles with adjustable closures (like velcro or elastic laces) that help you get a better fit.

Stability: Keeping You Balanced

New Balance Stability

New Balance designs many of their shoes with stability features. These help prevent your feet from rolling inward or outward too much when you walk or run. Some models have special support systems built into the midsoles.

This stability is especially helpful if you have flat feet or if your ankles tend to roll when walking or running.

Geox Stability

Geox shoes are designed with good stability for everyday wear. Many of their shoes have a supportive midsole and firm heel counter that helps keep your foot properly aligned. While they may not have as many specialized stability features as some New Balance athletic shoes, they provide reliable support for daily activities.

Geox school shoes in particular are designed with stability in mind, as they’re meant to support growing feet during long school days.

Comfort: How Do They Feel?

New Balance Comfort

New Balance shoes are known for being super comfortable. The combination of good cushioning, proper support, and breathable materials makes them comfortable for all-day wear. Their athletic shoes are designed to be comfortable even during active use.

Tom, age 12, said: “My New Balance shoes are so comfortable that sometimes I forget I’m wearing them! I can run around all recess and my feet still feel good.”

Geox Comfort

Geox shoes are also very comfortable, but in a different way. Their main comfort feature is the breathability that keeps your feet dry. When feet stay dry, they’re less likely to get hot, sweaty, or develop blisters.

Geox also focuses on making shoes with soft, flexible materials that move with your foot.

Emily, age 13, shared: “My Geox shoes never make my feet hot or sweaty, even when I wear them all day. That makes them super comfortable, especially in summer.”

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Quality: How Well Are They Made?

New Balance Quality

New Balance takes pride in their quality standards. Some of their premium shoes are even made in the USA or UK, which is rare for sneakers these days. They use durable materials and careful construction methods.

The stitching on New Balance shoes is usually very good, and the materials are chosen to last through lots of wear.

Geox Quality

Geox is known for high-quality European craftsmanship. As an Italian brand, they focus on using good materials and paying attention to small details. The patented breathing system is carefully constructed to ensure it works properly.

Many parents choose Geox because they know the shoes will last and keep working as designed throughout the school year.

Style: Looking Good on Your Feet

New Balance Style

New Balance has become very trendy in recent years! Their “dad shoe” styles like the 990 and 574 are now popular fashion items. They come in tons of colors, from simple black and white to bright, fun colors and patterns.

New Balance shoes have a sporty, casual look that works well with jeans, shorts, or athletic wear.

Geox Style

Geox offers a wide range of styles, from casual sneakers to dressier options for school or special occasions. Their shoes tend to have a European look – a bit more sleek and less bulky than many American brands.

Geox makes shoes that can easily transition from school to after-school activities, with designs that often look a bit more formal than athletic shoes.

Material: What Are They Made Of?

New Balance Materials

New Balance uses a variety of materials:

• Breathable mesh for airflow
• Suede and leather for style and support
• Synthetic materials that dry quickly
• Rubber outsoles for grip
• Special foam for cushioning

Different models use different combinations of these materials.

Geox Materials

Geox uses high-quality materials including:

• Leather and suede for many of their shoes
• Breathable textiles and mesh
• Their special perforated rubber soles
• Waterproof membranes
• Soft linings for comfort

Many Geox shoes use a combination of materials to balance durability, comfort, and their breathing technology.

Weight: Light or Heavy on Your Feet?

New Balance Weight

The weight of New Balance shoes varies by model. Their running shoes are designed to be lightweight, while their classic lifestyle shoes (like the 574) are a bit heavier. Most New Balance shoes for kids and teens are made to be fairly light to make walking and running easier.

Geox Weight

Geox shoes are generally lightweight, despite their special sole technology. They’re designed to be worn all day, so keeping them from feeling heavy was an important part of their design. Even their waterproof models are engineered to remain lightweight.

Flexibility: How They Bend and Move

New Balance Flexibility

New Balance designs their shoes to flex in the right places. This makes walking and running feel more natural. Their shoes bend where your foot naturally bends, usually right behind the ball of your foot.

Some New Balance models are more flexible than others, with running shoes typically being the most flexible.

Geox Flexibility

Geox puts a lot of focus on flexibility. Many of their shoes have special flex grooves in the sole that allow the shoe to bend naturally with your foot. This flexibility makes walking more comfortable and natural.

Geox’s “Flexy System” in some of their children’s shoes is specifically designed to support natural foot movement while providing necessary support.

Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry

New Balance Water Resistance

Most regular New Balance shoes aren’t fully waterproof, but many models have water-resistant features that can handle light rain or wet grass. They also offer some specific waterproof models for hiking and outdoor activities.

The mesh materials in many New Balance shoes dry fairly quickly if they do get wet.

Geox Water Resistance

Water resistance is one of Geox’s standout features! Their patented breathing system keeps water out while still letting sweat escape. Many Geox shoes are fully waterproof, making them excellent choices for rainy or wet conditions.

This waterproof quality makes Geox popular for school shoes, as kids often encounter puddles or wet playground equipment.

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Sole Technology: What’s On The Bottom?

New Balance Sole

New Balance uses different types of soles for different models:

• Running shoes have flexible soles with patterns for grip
• Walking shoes have firmer soles for stability
• Lifestyle shoes often have thicker, more cushioned soles

The soles are designed for specific activities, with tread patterns that provide good grip on various surfaces.

Geox Sole

Geox’s sole technology is what makes their shoes special. The rubber sole has tiny holes to allow air circulation, covered by a special waterproof but breathable membrane. This unique system keeps feet dry from both outside water and inside sweat.

The outsoles also have good tread patterns for grip and are made from durable rubber compounds that resist wear.

Price Comparison: What Do They Cost?

Shoe Type	New Balance Price Range	Geox Price Range
Kids’ Casual Sneakers	$40-$70	$60-$90
Kids’ Athletic Shoes	$50-$90	$65-$95
Kids’ School Shoes	Not a focus area	$70-$100
Teen/Adult Casual Shoes	$70-$120	$100-$150
Athletic Performance	$90-$180	Not a focus area

User Reviews and Ratings

New Balance User Ratings

Model	Comfort	Durability	Breathability	Overall
574	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Fresh Foam Arishi	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
990	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
455	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Geox User Ratings

Model	Comfort	Durability	Breathability	Overall
Kilwi	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Nebula	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Riddock	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Flexyper	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What Kids Are Saying

“I love my New Balance 574s because they’re super comfortable for PE class. I can run and jump without my feet hurting.” – Jackson, 13

“My Geox shoes are the best for rainy days. I stepped in a huge puddle and my socks stayed completely dry! Plus they look cool with my school uniform.” – Sophia, 12

Choosing the Right Shoes For You

When to Choose New Balance:

• If you play a lot of sports or run frequently
• If you have wide or narrow feet that need special sizes
• If you prefer American sporty style
• If you want maximum cushioning for impact activities
• If you want more affordable options

When to Choose Geox:

• If you live in a rainy area or often step in puddles
• If your feet get very sweaty or hot in regular shoes
• If you need shoes that can go from school to play
• If you prefer European styling
• If breathability is your top priority

Pros and Cons

New Balance Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Great for sports and PE class	Not very waterproof in rainy weather
Comes in different widths for all foot types	Can look too sporty for school uniforms
Super cushioning that feels soft	Not as good at keeping feet dry from sweat
Many bright color choices	Can be hot in very warm weather
Often less expensive than Geox	Mesh parts can get dirty easily
Very good for running and jumping	Not as good for puddles and wet days
Easy to find in many stores	Some styles look bulky
Special models for different sports	Might wear out faster if used daily

Geox Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Amazing at keeping feet dry in rain	Usually more expensive than New Balance
Special breathing technology stops sweaty feet	Not as good for serious sports
Great for school uniforms	Fewer width options for wide feet
Waterproof in puddles	Not as much cushioning for running
Feet stay cooler in hot weather	Fewer bright color options
Good for everyday wear	Not as easy to find in all stores
Italian style looks nice	Not as good for PE class
Lasts a long time for school use	Some styles can feel stiff at first

Conclusion

New Balance and Geox both make great shoes, but they have different strengths. New Balance excels at athletic performance, cushioning, and offering multiple width options. Geox stands out for their amazing breathing technology, water resistance, and versatile school-friendly styles.

Think about what’s most important for your feet and activities. Do you need shoes mainly for sports? New Balance might be your best bet. Do you want shoes that keep your feet dry in all conditions? Geox could be perfect for you.

Remember, the most important thing is finding shoes that fit well and feel comfortable on YOUR feet, while meeting your specific needs for school, play, and everything in between!

Frequently Asked Questions